Kasuga Shrine

Kasuga Shrine – Guardian of Business Prosperity and Bountiful Catches, the Soja of Sano Town

Enshrined Deities ：
Takemikazuchi-no-Kami (武甕槌神)・Iwainushi-no-Mikoto (齋主命)・Hime-Ōmikami (姫大御神)
Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto (天児屋根命)・Ame-no-Oshikumone-no-Mikoto (天押雲根命)

Kasuga Shrine, part of the Japan Heritage “Kitamaebune Port Towns and Shipowner Settlements,” has long served as the soja (main shrine) of Sano Machiba, a historic fishing town.

The shrine’s origins date back to the Nara period (770–780 AD) when Sakanoue Karitamaro enshrined deities from Kasuga Taisha in Nara. In 1376, Sakanoue Masuzumi built the shrine’s main hall, solidifying its role as a significant spiritual site for the region. Later, in 1908, Sano Oji Shrine and 28 other shrines were merged into Kasuga Shrine, expanding its influence.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), wealthy merchant families such as Meshino and Togarane made generous donations, including stone lanterns and guardian statues, showcasing the shrine’s deep connection with the town’s prosperous maritime trade.

Within the shrine grounds, Akatenuji Inari Shrine, recognized by its striking red torii gates, is particularly revered for prayers related to headache relief and business prosperity.

One of the most exciting annual events is the Futon Taiko Festival, where the local fishing community gathers to pray for safety at sea and bountiful catches. The festival is famous for its taikodai (drum floats), carried through the town in a lively and energetic procession.

📌 Basic Information

📍 Kasuga Shrine

📍春日神社

📅Reservation	–
📞 Phone	072-464-0235（Japanese Only）
🏠 Address	4-12 Kasuga-cho, Izumisano City, Osaka
🚉 Access	A 10-minute walk (300m) from Izumisano Station on the Nankai Main Line
🚗 Parking	Free dedicated parking available
🕒 Visiting Hours	The shrine grounds are open 24/7, with the offering hall open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (may be closed at times)
💴 Admission Fee	Free　Don’t forget to make your offering
🙏 Main Blessings	Good fortune, protection from misfortune, business prosperity, safety prayers
💳 Payment Methods	Cash (Japanese yen)

🔗 Official Website:https://osaka-jinjacho.jp/funai_jinja/dai12shibu/izumisano-city/12029kasugajinja.html

🌐Social Media:

ℹ️ Detailed Information

✅ Water Basins (Chōzubachi)
◆Two stone water basins located in front of the haiden (worship hall), donated in 1726 (Kyōhō 11).
◆Right side: Ebisu Daijingu (god of prosperity)
Left side: Imamura Daimyōjin (local deity)
◆The basins reflect the shrine’s history, showcasing both the enshrinement of these deities and the shrine’s merger with other shrines.
✅ Futon Taiko Festival (Taikodai)
◆Due to extreme heat, the festival has been held in September in recent years (2022–2023), and will be in May 2024; future dates are still under consideration.
◆During the festival, around 30 people carry a 1-ton drum float (taikodai) from Izumisano Station to Tsubasa Street Shopping Arcade.
◆At night, the street is illuminated with lanterns, adding a festive atmosphere as the procession moves through the shopping area.

⭐ Highlights

◆ Prayer Site Facing Ise Shrine
On the right (east) side of the main shrine (haiden), you will find a prayer site that faces Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, which is an important and revered shrine in Japan.
This site adds a spiritual connection to one of the most famous shrines in Japan, offering visitors a moment of reflection and peace.

◆Akatenuji Inari Shrine
Famous for its red torii gates.
Prayed to for headache relief and business prosperity.

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⛩️How to Worship at Shrines and Temples